‘Checking Out’ campaign urges Brits to clear their debts before leaving UAE

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The British Embassy in the UAE has launched a social media campaign this week which aims to ensure a smooth and hassle-free departure for British nationals who are giving up their residency in the UAE.

The ‘Checking Out’ campaign, which will continue throughout May on the Embassy’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, provides a checklist of some of the most important tasks which should be carried out before leaving the UAE.

In particular, it advises British nationals to know and adhere to the UAE’s laws and so avoid any unforeseen legal consequences.

The checklist includes — among other tasks — paying debts, cancelling credit cards and bank accounts, requesting gratuity from employers, renting or selling properties, notifying landlords and clearing all utility bills and traffic fines.

“This is the time of the year, as school year ends, when some families and individuals think about relocating back to the UK or moving to another country,” the UK Ambassador to the UAE Philip Parham said, adding: “It is important that British nationals who have such plans settle financial, visa, accommodation and property issues before they leave the UAE. Non-payment of a debt is a criminal offence and could result in an individual not being able to leave the country, or being stopped and arrested if they try to come back, or even transit through, the UAE.”